This is an optional course in the Design Management major of the Master of Communication Design. The course examines key principles of the language of visual communication, together with issues impacting on production aspects of communication design. The principles of visual communication language underpin all communication design practice in terms of creative development and application to final outcomes, whether print, digital or reproduced in some other form. You will undertake projects that explore the use of visual communication syntax and techniques, engaging with the complex semantics of visual communication. This experience will be the basis for you to analyse and reflect upon current and future practice.

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

You will develop the following program capabilities in this course:

solve problems and manage the design process for successful outcomes, both individually and as a collaborative interdisciplinary team member

justify the significance of visual identity and branding, in relation to commercial entities and their products and services

assess your ongoing design practice as a reflective, professional practitioner with a global outlook.

evaluate the techniques designers use to communicate with specific audiences, in relation to visual communication semantics;

conceptualise a communication design outcome and apply technical design language in its development;

validate the concept in relation to key principles and elements of communication design and visual language

investigate and assess current trends and predict future opportunities for the development of visual communication media and global design practice

Overview of Learning Activities

The course will either take a blended learning approach in its delivery with face to face lectures and tutorials and online resources or full online delivery with digital lectures, online discussion and independent research (see Part B for details). You will be actively engaged in learning that involves a range of activities including lectures, tutorials, group and online class discussion, group activities and individual research.

Overview of Learning Resources

A list of recommended learning resources will be provided by your lecturer, including books, journal articles and web resources. You will also be expected to seek further resources relevant to the focus of your own learning

Overview of Assessment

Assessment will cover both theoretical and practical aspects of your learning. You will be able to develop your work in relation to your own specific areas of interest in your professional practice. Assessment will occur during the course and at the end of the course. Methods may include any combination of assessment tasks such as reports, group work, presentations and critiques. Due dates for assessment will be negotiated with students in the first week of the teaching period.